Our Team

The Traditional Accounting Team

JOYCE A. SMITH, CGA, CFP
President, CEO, Manager of JAS Business Solutions Group, Quality Control Manager

Joyce has been in public practice since 1967. For 17 years prior to starting her own practice, she was one of ten partners in an accounting firm serving mid-Vancouver Island, British Columbia. She has developed and maintained a special interest and involvement in management consulting and establishment of performance measures for companies.

Joyce is an active and involved member in many community and association activities. Her involvement with her professional association has included compliance reviews for the C.G.A. Association of B.C. She takes pride in her service on the boards of a number of community organizations including Rotary, Kinsmen Child Development Centre, Nanaimo Festival Professional Theatre, United Way, B.C. Ferry Corporation, Vancouver Island University Foundation and Mid-Island Science, Technology and Innovation Council (MISTIC).

CHRIS BARD, BA, CGA,
Senior Accountant/ Service Provider, Compliance Manager

Chris attained his Certified General Accountant designation in the spring of 2011. He graduated from Malaspina University-College, now Vancouver Island University, in 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts degree, Major in Accounting. Chris has been employed at J.A. Smith and Associates Inc. since his graduation. Chris’ positive attitude, sense of humour and diligence are a great benefit to the firm and his clients.

NICOLE SHEWAGA, BBA
Junior Accountant/Service Provider

Nicole graduated from Vancouver Island University in the spring of 2011 with a Bachelor of Business Administration Degree, Major in Accounting. She is currently enrolled in the CGA Program at the fifth year level (PACE). Nicole is an ambitious young accountant, with the energy and drive to exceed client expectations. She takes pride in being an active member of the Young Professionals of Nanaimo and is extremely focused on her development as a professional accountant.

BONNIE DALGLEISH
Collections

Bonnie has owned and operated a variety of businesses. Her interest in accounting and bookkeeping started with a night school course and a need to do her own company books. She was hired by the course instructor and has worked in Public practice ever since. She has extensive knowledge in all aspects of bookkeeping including cash flow management, government reporting, both provincial and federal, as well as WCB returns. She also has experience in Notice to Reader and Review Engagement work.

She is actively involved with, and the Treasurer of, Citizens on Patrol and Ergondragon Boating & Fitness Club. Dragon boat racing and photography are her passions.

JULIE KNOX, BAA
Internal Accountant, Office Administrator

Julie received her BAA from Ryerson University in 2002.  She transitioned to accounting and office administration from her previous career in bridal and formal wear design and alterations after completing a certificate course in Computerized Accounting.  Julie gained valuable bookkeeping experience both in operating her own small business and as a long-term employee of a small owner-operated business. Her attentiveness to detail, appreciation for a job well done and superior organizational skills are a definite asset to her position.

LAURIE POHL
Receptionist, Customer Care Coordinator

Laurie is known by all the clients and staff at J.A.Smith & Associates as a person with a smile and laugh for everyone. She has the reputation of “going the extra mile” as our customer service manager. Her extensive customer service and organization skills were honed during the 10 years she co-owned a family business. Prior to joining the firm, Laurie worked as a legal secretary for 8 years.

SUSAN HARRIS
Administrative Assistant

Susan has spent the last seven years on Vancouver Island working as a Receptionist/Administrative Assistant. Susan shares with the firm her excellent organizational skills and strong customer service background.

She enjoys golfing with her husband and downhill skiing with her children. She is also an active leader with the Girl Guides of Canada.

The Controllership Team

JOYCE A. SMITH, CGA, CFP
President, CEO, Manager of JAS Business Solutions Group, Quality Control Manager

Joyce has been in public practice since 1967. For 17 years prior to starting her own practice, she was one of ten partners in an accounting firm serving mid-Vancouver Island, British Columbia. She has developed and maintained a special interest and involvement in management consulting and establishment of performance measures for companies.

Joyce is an active and involved member in many community and association activities. Her involvement with her professional association has included compliance reviews for the C.G.A. Association of B.C. She takes pride in her service on the boards of a number of community organizations including Rotary, Kinsmen Child Development Centre, Nanaimo Festival Professional Theatre, United Way, B.C. Ferry Corporation, Malaspina College Foundation and Mid-Island Science, Technology and Innovation Council (MISTIC).

THERESA DYCK, CGA
Controllership Manager, Accounting Software Trainer

Theresa came to us with 5 years of previous experience in public practice accounting. The strong interpersonal skills she brings contribute greatly to our sense of team. Theresa is a skilled problem solver who is ready to find solutions when clients call with issues, which makes her position as Controllership Manager a good fit. Theresa received her CGA designation in March, 2012.

KATHY TORRIE
Service Provider -Bookkeeper

With over 20 years of experience as a bookkeeper for a variety of different types of businesses, Kathy has a solid understanding of bookkeeping practices and procedures. Having also worked for over a decade as a Rehabilitation Practitioner in the healthcare field, she is someone who cares about people and working closely with her clients allows her to make use of this side of her personality as she strives to meet their needs.

The IT Team

STEVEN COOPER
IT Customer Service and Support

Steven has worked in a variety of customer service and technical positions over the years. He brings this past experience along with his great enthusiasm and willingness to learn to Business Performance Solutions. Along with this he enjoys a fairly active lifestyle that includes mountain biking, football, basketball and hiking in his free time. He also has a love of all forms of technology.

BILL SAFFIN, B.Ed.
Computer Support Assistance Manager and Systems Trainer – Business Performance Solutions Inc.

Before joining Business Performance Solutions as a trainer in 2007, Bill taught in the public school system for over twenty years. He brings the same passion for education to BPSi’s customers. He has introduced new Business Connect users to the system, developing a series of lessons to guide them through its features and helping them fit Business Connect into their organization. He prefers to give students as much hands-on experience as possible during the training process.

BPSi’s Business Connect solution is a comprehensive solution, and Bill works with clients to develop a flexible training plan to fit their implementation schedule. Individual and small group lessons are a preferred part of the overall learning experience. He strives always to provide better training and support to clients. Bill’s first priority is meeting the individual needs of BPSi’s clients.